Data acquisition and display system for motor vehicle

a technology for motor vehicles and data acquisition, applied in the field of display devices, can solve problems such as dangerous situations, affecting the accuracy of data acquisition, and difficulty in locating the correct wires and following them to a convenient splicing point, and achieve the effect of facilitating bi-directional communication

Active Publication Date: 2009-02-12
OPUS IVS INC
View PDF13 Cites 13 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Briefly, the present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured format. The direct connection between the display module and the data link facilitates bi-directional communication with the vehicle's on-board computer(s) for diagnostics as well as reprogramming of the on-board computer(s) which may be accomplished in real-time.
[0019]The device also includes a computer readable medium (permanent or removable memory) suitable for recording the signals received from the busses and senders, as well as signals from peripheral devices, simultaneously to single or multiple file(s) with matching timestamps. This construction allows data from sensors in the vehicle to be recalled and viewed in combination with data from a peripheral device such as a video camera on the monitor. This arrangement can be extremely helpful to car enthusiasts that wish to improve performance in competition settings. Moreover, the system is configured to integrate with a GPS. The GPS information can be evaluated in conjunction with the sensor data and / or other peripheral device data for performance enhancement or positional awareness and may be used in a manner similar to that of a flight recorder, whereby data relating to throttle position, steering angle, braking and the like may be utilized for accident reconstruction.
[0025]It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a data acquisition and display system that includes automatic power-up and power-down modes to conserve vehicle power.

Problems solved by technology

Accurate readings of the factory installed instruments often require the driver to divert attention from the road for extended time periods.
Steering wheel or seat positioning may cause a portion of the gauges to become obstructed from clear view extending the time it takes a driver to accurately read a cluster of instruments.
Because many of the instruments must be read while the vehicle is in motion, the time required to complete a reading of the instruments may create a dangerous situation.
Locating the correct wires and following them to a convenient splice point is a difficult task and requires knowledge, time, patience, and skill that some individuals simply do not have.
Moreover, this greatly complicates the task of writing comprehensive instructions because many models and makes of automobiles require individually tailored instructions to account for differences in vehicle configurations.
In addition, if the splice is not correctly performed and properly sealed, the gauge will fail to work, and the connection between the sensor and the gauge may be degraded, resulting in the possible malfunction of that sensor, and possibly affecting operation of the internal combustion system.
In addition, over time the splice connection might fail due to the constant vibrations within the automotive environment.
Adding additional sensors is a complicated process, which involves mounting the sensor, connecting power to the sensor, and routing the wire to the new gauge.
However, the scan tools are often large, cumbersome wheeled devices that set outside of the vehicle with cables extending into the vehicle.
Portable scan tool devices are also known, these devices are generally not constructed for permanent installation within a vehicle; nor are they generally equipped for connection to, and collection of data from, peripheral devices.

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Data acquisition and display system for motor vehicle
  • Data acquisition and display system for motor vehicle
  • Data acquisition and display system for motor vehicle

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0042]While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0043]Referring generally to the figures, the present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display device 10 for vehicles 12 that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) 14 via a data link connector 16. The system includes a display module 20 suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color display monitor 22 in electrical connection with the display computer 18 for bi-directional electrical communication therebetween. In a most preferred embodiment, the display monitor functions as a touch screen for inputting comma...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The direct connection between the display module and the data link facilitates bi-directional communication with the vehicle's on-board computer(s) for diagnostics as well as reprogramming of the on-board computer(s) which may be accomplished in real-time.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to a display device for use in a motor vehicle and more particularly to a digital display system that integrates with the vehicle's on-board computer as well as peripheral devices for acquisition and display of information in a user configurable format.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0002]An instrument panel provides a variety of functions within a vehicle. Gauges mounted within the panel are the primary interface between the driver and the vehicle. For example, a speedometer indicates the speed of the vehicle; a tachometer shows the rotational speed of the engine; while other gauges monitor and show engine temperature, fluid levels and various other parameters.[0003]Typically in a vehicle, a factory installed instrument panel is designed to present a particular arrangement, e.g. a cluster of gauge-type instruments in a pre-set design. These instruments generally include sensors or senders positioned at appropriate points within...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B60Q1/00
CPCB60K35/00B60K37/06B60K2350/901B60K2350/1028B60K2350/1024B60K35/10B60K2360/143B60K2360/1438B60K35/654
InventorDREW, MICHAELHERRON, BRIAN
OwnerOPUS IVS INC